Next Few Weeks in Montezuma County Packed with Events

Prepare to be charmed by a donkey during the Mancos BurroFest, The Ride of the Ancients Gravel Grinder returns to benefit local conservation nonprofits, and learn about the Cortez Public Library summer reading program and how you can participate. You're watching the local news Roundup brought to you by Ute Mountain Casino and the Lor Foundation. I'm Wendy Graham Settle. Burros are so darn cute, why not celebrate their charm every year? The Mancos creative district hosts the third annual Mancos BurroFest replete with donkey parade, obstacle course races And an art show on Saturday, June 18th. The grand parade of burros featuring both burro misers and their animals dressed in costume starts the day's series of events at 10:00 AM in Boyle park. Next burros and their human leaders will compete in an obstacle course to determine how well each donkey can follow its human's lead from 1 to 4 PM, artists will sit with their burro models and create works of art on the spot Durango artist Elizabeth Kenahan is this year's BurroFest featured artist and she'll be located in the number one canopy along with her burro model Arlo during the art show. All pieces will be for sale, Two presentations during the afternoon will include a packing demonstration at 2:00 PM and a discussion on adopting wild burros At 2:30 PM. BurroFest is free and open to the public. To learn more, Visit Mancos creative district.com. Start this year's second half with an act of kindness, become a member of For Pet's Sake Humane Society during its annual membership drive. The all volunteer organization provides foster care for cats and dogs awaiting adoption, financial assistance for spaying and neutering pets, helps local pet owners with emergency veterinary care, sponsors low cost vaccination clinics, offers adoption services, manages feral cat colonies, provides dog houses to dogs in need, and provides free dog and cat food to hungry pets who are spay and neutered. Established in 1987 For Pet's Sake relies solely on volunteers, So that 100% of donations directly help animals. Operations are supported with memberships, fundraising activities, contributions, and grants. To become a member visit forpetssakehs.org the membership drive ends July 1st. Earn badges and rewards by reading this summer during the Cortez Public Library's oceans of possibilities reading challenge. Challenges are available for children, teens, and adults. All you need to do is sign up for a bean stock account, keep track of what you've read, win badges, and qualify for rewards and a grand prize to register visit cortez.beanstock.com. The Ride of the Ancients gravel Grinder returns on July 8th and 9th in Dolores to raise funds for the Southwest Colorado Canyons Alliance. Friends of the canyons of The Ancients national monument and trail of The Ancients scenic highway. Gravel grinders are events that usually occur on back country Gravel roads Riders can choose to ride a gravel bike, road bike or mountain bike. This year's events start off with a laugh when Navajo's standup comedians, James and Ernie perform at the Turquoise Raven Art Gallery in Cortez. races start the next day from Flanders park in Dolores. Entrants may choose to ride the 104 mile circuit, a 30 mile circuit or a 19 mile family affair course. The long route follows gravel roads from Dolores to Dutton, then Groundhog reservoir to the Dolores Norwood Road With 10 miles of single tracking Boggy Draw. The shorter races will be on the road system in the Boggy Draw area And electric assisted bikes are allowed. Vendors will be on hand from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM In Flanders park with music featuring the Yoties beginning at 1:00 PM at the Dolores river brewery to learn more about the race or to enter visit rideoftheancients.com. That's it for this week's local Roundup. Thanks for watching.

‍